By 
By Osasome, C.O and Nana Theresa Timothy
NDPC Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Data Protection
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to responsible digital growth through high-level panel discussions at the National Data Privacy Summit. Panelists focused on how the country can balance data-driven economic expansion with privacy as a fundamental human right.
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Experts at the summit examined critical issues around safeguarding personal data, particularly for children and young people. They emphasised that privacy must be ensured while innovation and digital transformation continue to thrive.
Protecting Children and Youth in an Algorithmic World
The second panel session of the summit, themed “Children, Youth and Digital Futures: Safeguarding Privacy in an Algorithmic World,” explored how emerging technologies and algorithms affect young people’s data rights.
The session was moderated by Mr. Daniel Uba, Head of Innovation at Floliz Nigeria Limited.It featured insights from:
- Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulation Department, NDPC
- Tokunbo Ibrahim, Acting Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, TikTok
- Yonpan Dariem, Country Representative, BEB Global
- Esther Jato, Vice-President, Data Privacy Club, Nile University
Discussions focused on preventing data abuse, and strengthening safeguards for minors. Panelists emphasised building awareness among young people about their digital rights in an increasingly algorithm-driven environment.
Innovation Without Intrusion: Balancing Growth and Privacy
The third panel session addressed the theme “Innovation without Intrusion: Balancing Data-Driven Growth with Privacy as a Fundamental Right.” The session brought together senior leaders from government, global technology firms, financial services, and data risk management. They explored how Nigeria can unlock the economic value of data without compromising citizens’ constitutional rights.
Moderated by Ridwan Oloyede, Emerging Technologies and Policy Lead at Tech Hive Advisory Africa, the session featured:
- Nonye Ujam, Director of Government Affairs, West Africa, Microsoft
- Stelios Lelis, Chief Data and Risk Officer, Optasia
- Abumere Igboa, Chief Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank
Panelists examined regulatory, ethical, and policy considerations shaping data usage across sectors.They highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in sustaining public trust.
Data Protection as a Social Contract
The discussions underscored data protection as more than a regulatory or compliance requirement, framing it as a social contract between institutions and citizens. Panelists stressed that privacy-by-design, ethical data governance, and strong enforcement frameworks are essential to building trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
According to participants, effective data protection is foundational to the growth of fintech, e-government services, digital inclusion initiatives, and cross-border investment, especially as Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda.
Shaping Nigeria’s Data Governance Future
The National Data Privacy Summit continues to serve as a strategic platform for shaping Nigeria’s data governance landscape, strengthening privacy awareness, and reinforcing the protection of personal data as a cornerstone of sustainable digital development.
As conversations at the summit demonstrate, Nigeria is increasingly embracing a people-centred approach to innovation—one that advances economic progress while safeguarding fundamental rights.
